Deception & Judaism

Deceiving someone about our intentions is a misuse of the power of language.

The bottom line is that our interactions with others should be tactful but honest. If you want to help someone pay a large bill, then offer to do so—but only if you mean it. And, if you care for someone and wish to extend them hospitality, then invite them to your house—but only if you have reason to believe that they can come.

Rabbi Joseph Telushkin is the author of Jewish Literacy and Words that Hurt, Words that Heal, along with other widely-read books on Judaism and the "Rabbi Daniel Winter" murder mysteries. He lives in New York City and lectures widely throughout North America.